Buddha View
Dive Centre
Located on the beautiful beach of Tanote Bay, Buddha View Dive Centre offers an idyllic setting to explore the beautiful waters and incredible marine life that Koh Tao has to offer. Boasting unique shipwrecks, beautiful shoals of fish and the occasional curious turtle, what lies beneath the waves at Koh Tao is truly unforgettable.
There is nothing permanent except change
Buddha View Dive Centre is dedicated to providing you with a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable dive experience. The on-site diving pool and air-conditioned classrooms help make your diving courses as easy and relaxing as possible. Our staff is made up of an international team of trained professionals who are all eager to help, guide, and assist in any way that they can.
For those who seek adventure, our PADI SCUBA Diving Courses offer a gateway into the aquatic world. We offer a Try Dive experience which is a quick, comprehensive, and easy introduction to exploring the ocean. For those looking to start their journey as a diver, we offer a three day PADI Open Water course. Upon completion of the Open Water certification, students can take on the Advanced Open Water course and the EFR and Rescue course.
Looking to unlock your full potential and go pro? Our dive school provides Divemaster and an Instructor Development Course for those hoping to start a career as a diver.
Discover the thrill of diving or continue your diving education at Buddha View. We offer PADI recreational dive courses for all experience levels. ​
Learn how to lead dives, assist with diver training and be the diver everyone admires. Start your SCUBA career by becoming a Divemaster. You can work, travel, and share your love of the underwater world with others.
Completing the IDC offers an opportunity to a fulfilling career in sharing the wonders of the ocean with others. Become a source of inspiration for the next generation of underwater enthusiasts!
Beautifully located in Tanote Bay
Buddha View Dive Centre is nestled beneath the palm trees on the shore of Tanote Bay. Situated on the East side of the island, Tanote Bay is a beloved spot for those familiar with Koh Tao.
The bay is embraced by lush, verdant hills, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere that beckons travelers seeking a peaceful escape. Tanote Bay is a haven for snorkelers and divers alike, boasting vibrant coral reefs teeming with an array of marine life, from playful clownfish to graceful rays.
Above the waterline, coconut palms sway gently in the sea breeze, providing a shady retreat for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. The perfect home away from home, this versatile beach is lively enough to keep you entertained all day but also offers a tranquil and relaxed setting to wind down in the evenings. Located roughly a 10 minute drive from the pier, this is an ideal location for a stay on Koh Tao.
Getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok
There are 3 alternative ways:
1. Fly to Koh Samui
This is the fastest way of getting to Koh Tao. Two airlines offer flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, with the former operating more flights, making it convenient for boat connections. Flights depart every half an hour from 06:00 to 22:00. Check the ferry timetables before you book your flight. From Koh Samui to Koh Tao, Lomlahkkhirin and Marine Passion offer high-speed ferry services twice daily. The boat journey is between 1:30 and 2 hours.
2. Bus & Ferry combined ticket
The combined ticket is the cheapest and most popular way of getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok. Currently, only one company offers this service: Lomlahkkhirin High-Speed Ferries (formerly called Lomprayah Catamaran). Their air-conditioned bus departs from Khaosan Road in Bangkok and arrives at their pier in Chumphon. The boat journey to Koh Tao, arriving at Mae Haad Bay, is between 1:45 and 2:30 hours, depending on the sea conditions.
3. Sleeper train to Chumphon
Travelling on the sleeper train is usually more comfortable than the bus. You will almost have a proper bed to sleep in during the journey. The ferry company provides free transfers between their pier and the train station. From Bangkok, you must arrive at Chumphon station before 06:00 as the ferry departs at 07:00. Delays are possible on this train, so you may have to get the afternoon boat with Lomlahkkhirin High-Speed Ferries. To Bangkok, it’s better to take an afternoon boat from Koh Tao to catch the first sleeper train from Chumphon at 19:30.